#citscichat

New Mark2Cure Video added to our youtube playlist!

The Citizen Science Conference in May was very productive, and the last of Mark2Cure's recorded talks is now available on our youtube channel. As previously mentioned, Max delivered the project slam for Mark2Cure and was selected as one of the top three to deliver an abbreviated version during the 'Night in the Clouds' event.

View the two-minute talk here:

Biomedical CitSciChat on Wed. July 19th, at 11:00am PT

Speaking of the conference, we were able to connect in person with a lot of lovely people in the citizen science arena, especially the amazing people from @EyesOnAlz, @CitSciBio, and @CochraneCrowd. Because we're all passionate about bringing citizen science to biomedical research, we organized a panel for a biomedical #citscichat. Caren Cooper (@CoopSciScoop) kindly agreed to moderate the chat as usual, and Pietro (@pmichelu, @EyezOnAlz) was able to convince @foldit's Seth Cooper to join the panel.

What: Hour long chat on biomedical citizen science (#CitSciChat)

Where: online via twitter

When: Wed July 19 2:00pm ET (11:00am PT)

Why: Because citizen science is used in biomedical research too

Who: Everyone interested in citizen science is welcome to join this chat which will be moderated by citizen science expert and author, Caren Cooper. The panel so far includes:

Mark2Cure of course! Mark2Cure is a citizen science project for addressing the big data issue of biomedical literature. Citizen scientists help look for clues about NGLY1-deficiency in curated literature. (@Mark2Cure/@gtsueng, @x0xmaximus, @AndrewSu)

Cochrane Crowd is a citizen science project from the Cochrane Collaborative, and also looks to make biomedical literature more useful. Citizen Scientists help identify randomized controlled trials so that Cochrane Reviewers can use them to answer important medical questions. (@Cochrane_Crowd, @annanoelstorr)

CitSciBio is NIH's new biomedical citizen science hub. It is sponsored by the Division of Cancer Biology at the National Cancer Institute. There are tools for collaborating, creating projects, and now you can login via your scistarter account. (@citscibio)

Fold.it is a long standing, and very successful citizen science game which empowers gamers and volunteers to help determine the structure of proteins important to biomedical research. Seth Cooper from Northeastern University has agreed to join the panel to share about this wildly successful project. (@UWGameScience)

Beat the heat and help science!

Need an excuse to stay indoors, avoid chores, and avoid the summer heat? Look no further! One of our current missions is over 80% complete. Help us finish it!

Join experienced San Diego Tracking Team members for a wildlife tracking walk. Learn the art of discovering signs left behind by resident creatures during two hours of âdirt time.â Suitable for the whole family. Donât forget to wear long pants, for kneeling down on your knees to get a closer look, and shoes suitable for trails. Meet in front of the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center. Rain Cancels.

Come enjoy the great outdoors and help the River Park Foundation to restore an oak woodland along a free-flowing mountain stream. Volunteers can help create habitat for wildlife and keep water clean by removing invasive plants, watering native plants, and more! This is a great opportunity to give back by getting your hands dirty, learn about local ecology and habitat restoration science, look for wildlife, and spend time in nature.

This event takes place at Boulder Creek Preserve, near Descanso (about 1.5 hr drive from central San Diego).

Please wear long pants, close-toed shoes (tennis shoes or hiking boots) and layers. Bring AT LEAST 32 oz. of water to drink and a snack. Please be aware that this is a remote location with no cell service. Also be aware that you may be working near poison oak.

This event occurs on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturday of every month from 8:30am to 2:30pm. All supplies will be provided. Community service hours may be verified. For full location information and to RSVP please contact volunteer@sandiegoriver.org or call (619) 297-7380.

Join the Friends of the Point Loma Native Plant garden as they continue to care for this wonderful community native plant garden. All tools and supplies provided. No experience needed and community service hours can be verified. A guided plant walk included. RSVP's required. Please dress in gardening clothes, and closed-toe shoes are required. Call (619) 297-7380 or volunteer@sandiegoriver.org

Directions: Take I-8 or Sea World Drive to their west end. Follow sign to Nimitz Blvd. Turn left on to W. Point Loma Blvd. Take your first right onto Greene St. Greene St. dead ends at the Garden. Park on the adjacent residential streets.

The Wetlab and San Diego Public Libraries presents: Our citizen science lecture series speaker on Tuesday 11/6 at the La Jolla Riford Library is Barbara Lloyd, who is the co-founder of Ocean Sanctuaries. OS is a non-profit organization "devoted almost exclusively to ocean-related citizen science projects and sharing the data obtained from them with both the professional and citizen science community... to foster greater understanding, wise ecology, species protection and good stewardship of the ocean and related habitats".

November 7, 20189:00 am - 12:00 pmChanges weekly throughout the San Diego River watershed

Looking for a volunteer opportunity that allows you to support a healthy river while interacting with a group of like-minded people? Come out with our core volunteer team to assist with River clean-ups! If you don't mind getting dirty and doing some trail blazing then this may be the perfect fit for you.

This team is scheduled on Wednesdays from 9 - noon. The event location changes regularly so please include your email address in your RSVP and we will email you the Friday before with all of the details.

You must be 18 years or older to participate and this event is not open for community service hour verification. All tools and supplies are provided. Hepatitis A vaccinations recommended for all participating volunteers.

To learn more or RSVP please call 619-297-7380 or email volunteer@sandiegoriver.org.

The third and final class in the Tracker/Naturalist series concentrates on fine details and continued development of your proficiency as a tracker. We provide substantial dirt time for you to practice and verify track identification, to interpret observations, and to "age" tracks and signs accurately so that you can discover areas of weakness and strength. We also aim to give you a taste of a tracker evaluation should you wish to pursue CyberTracker certification in the future. A detailed discussion of track patterns and gaits will be presented.

This course continues on Saturday...Cost: $50 ($40 for SDTT members)Please RSVP to sdttinfo@gmail.com

The third and final class in the Tracker/Naturalist series concentrates on fine details and continued development of your proficiency as a tracker. We provide substantial dirt time for you to practice and verify track identification, to interpret observations, and to "age" tracks and signs accurately so that you can discover areas of weakness and strength. We also aim to give you a taste of a tracker evaluation should you wish to pursue CyberTracker certification in the future. A detailed discussion of track patterns and gaits will be presented.

This course begins on Wednesday...Cost: $50 ($40 for SDTT members)Please RSVP to sdttinfo@gmail.com

Volunteer at the San Diego River Garden. Join us on the 2nd and 4th Sundays each month from 9am-11am for this family friendly event. All tools provided. Dress in clothes that can get a little dirty. Closed toe shoes required. Activities consist of weeding, watering, pruning, trail maintenance and other light gardening projects. RSVP's required. Call 619.297.7380 or mailto:volunteer@sandiegoriver.org
Community service hours can be verified.

Looking for a regular volunteer opportunity that allows you to experience the great outdoors while giving back? Then the River Assessment Team is for you! Every 2nd, 3rd and 4th Tuesday of the month the team will walk different segments of the San Diego River in the Mission Valley area to identify issues affecting our River, such as trash, storm water debris and illegal dumping. Your reconnaissance of these areas will allow us to effectively plan our cleanup events so that we are having a greater impact on the River’s health with the highest level of efficiency.

The team will work from 9 am - noon in areas of varying levels of difficulty, ranging from paved trails to trail blazing adventures. You are invited to attend any and all, depending on your ability level. Closed-toed shoes are required. Sun protection, water and a snack are highly recommended. Must be 18 or over to participate.b NOT open for community service.

If you are interested in getting more information about this event, please contact us at (619) 297-7380 or volunteer@sandiegoriver.org.

November 14, 20189:00 am - 12:00 pmChanges weekly throughout the San Diego River watershed

Looking for a volunteer opportunity that allows you to support a healthy river while interacting with a group of like-minded people? Come out with our core volunteer team to assist with River clean-ups! If you don't mind getting dirty and doing some trail blazing then this may be the perfect fit for you.

This team is scheduled on Wednesdays from 9 - noon. The event location changes regularly so please include your email address in your RSVP and we will email you the Friday before with all of the details.

You must be 18 years or older to participate and this event is not open for community service hour verification. All tools and supplies are provided. Hepatitis A vaccinations recommended for all participating volunteers.

To learn more or RSVP please call 619-297-7380 or email volunteer@sandiegoriver.org.

Come join the RiverWatch team in East County and learn how we monitor the water quality of the San Diego River!

The Team uses a compact electronic sonde to collect real-time data on things like dissolved oxygen content, acidity, and the nutrient content of the water at 15 different locations along the River.

This is the perfect opportunity for students who are interested in gaining experience in environmental science or community members who would like to learn more about local ecology.

No experience necessary, the Team Leader will show volunteers how to use the sonde and nutrient test kits. Events are every 3rd Friday of the month. Community service may be verified, but only for students needing to complete school assigned hours.

RSVP's are required for this event as there are a limited amount of spaces available. Due to the nature of the work, participants must be 15 years or older. For more information and to to RSVP please contact us at 619-297-7380 or volunteer@sandiegoriver.org.

Groups and organizations with a common interest in the San Diego River have come together to form the San Diego River Coalition. The San Diego River Coalition also serves as the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) for River Park planning efforts.

Come enjoy the great outdoors and help the River Park Foundation to restore an oak woodland along a free-flowing mountain stream. Volunteers can help create habitat for wildlife and keep water clean by removing invasive plants, watering native plants, and more! This is a great opportunity to give back by getting your hands dirty, learn about local ecology and habitat restoration science, look for wildlife, and spend time in nature.

This event takes place at Boulder Creek Preserve, near Descanso (about 1.5 hr drive from central San Diego).

Please wear long pants, close-toed shoes (tennis shoes or hiking boots) and layers. Bring AT LEAST 32 oz. of water to drink and a snack. Please be aware that this is a remote location with no cell service. Also be aware that you may be working near poison oak.

This event occurs on the 1st, 4th, and 5th Saturday of every month from 8:30am to 2:30pm. All supplies will be provided. Community service hours may be verified. For full location information and to RSVP please contact volunteer@sandiegoriver.org or call (619) 297-7380.

The Friends of the San Diego River Mouth, a chapter of the San Diego River Park Foundation, needs volunteers with an interest in helping to save and restore one of the last remaining Coastal Dune and Wetland Habitats in San Diego. Please join us from 9:00am to noon. Over 95% of these habitat areas no longer exist in California. Home to many endangered birds, fish and mammals this area needs your help to remain as a viable habitat area. An educational walking tour will be included.

Activities include: invasive plant removal, native plant rescue, watering and care of recent plantings, trail maintenance and litter removal. All tools and supplies are provided. Community service hours can be verified for those that need them. Be sure to dress in clothes that can get a little dirty and wear closed-toe shoes, no sandals or flip-flops allowed for safety reasons.

Volunteers will meet in the grassy area just inside the Dog Beach parking lot in Ocean Beach at the western end of Voltaire Ave. For more info or to RSVP call 619.297.7380 or email volunteer@sandiegoriver.org

Join the Friends of the Point Loma Native Plant garden as they continue to care for this wonderful community native plant garden. All tools and supplies provided. No experience needed and community service hours can be verified. A guided plant walk included. RSVP's required. Please dress in gardening clothes, and closed-toe shoes are required. Call (619) 297-7380 or email mailto:volunteer@sandiegoriver.org

Directions: Take I-8 or Sea World Drive to their west end. Follow sign to Nimitz Blvd. Stay on Nimitz past West Point Loma Blvd. and take the Famosa/Catalina Blvd. exit. Turn right onto Famosa Blvd. (Famosa Blvd becomes Catalina Blvd.). Turn right at the traffic light onto Voltaire Street. Turn right onto Mendocino Blvd. The Reserve is located at Mendocino Blvd & Greene St, San Diego, CA 92107. Park on the adjacent residential streets.

Join the Friends of the Point Loma Native Plant garden as they continue to care for this wonderful community native plant garden. All tools and supplies provided. No experience needed and community service hours can be verified. A guided plant walk included. RSVP's required. Please dress in gardening clothes, and closed-toe shoes are required. Call (619) 297-7380 or email mailto:volunteer@sandiegoriver.org

Directions: Take I-8 or Sea World Drive to their west end. Follow sign to Nimitz Blvd. Stay on Nimitz past West Point Loma Blvd. and take the Famosa/Catalina Blvd. exit. Turn right onto Famosa Blvd. (Famosa Blvd becomes Catalina Blvd.). Turn right at the traffic light onto Voltaire Street. Turn right onto Mendocino Blvd. The Reserve is located at Mendocino Blvd & Greene St, San Diego, CA 92107. Park on the adjacent residential streets.

Looking for a regular volunteer opportunity that allows you to experience the great outdoors while giving back? Then the River Assessment Team is for you! Every 2nd, 3rd and 4th Tuesday of the month the team will walk different segments of the San Diego River in the Mission Valley area to identify issues affecting our River, such as trash, storm water debris and illegal dumping. Your reconnaissance of these areas will allow us to effectively plan our cleanup events so that we are having a greater impact on the River’s health with the highest level of efficiency.

The team will work from 9 am - noon in areas of varying levels of difficulty, ranging from paved trails to trail blazing adventures. You are invited to attend any and all, depending on your ability level. Closed-toed shoes are required. Sun protection, water and a snack are highly recommended. Must be 18 or over to participate.b NOT open for community service.

If you are interested in getting more information about this event, please contact us at (619) 297-7380 or volunteer@sandiegoriver.org.

November 21, 20189:00 am - 12:00 pmChanges weekly throughout the San Diego River watershed

Looking for a volunteer opportunity that allows you to support a healthy river while interacting with a group of like-minded people? Come out with our core volunteer team to assist with River clean-ups! If you don't mind getting dirty and doing some trail blazing then this may be the perfect fit for you.

This team is scheduled on Wednesdays from 9 - noon. The event location changes regularly so please include your email address in your RSVP and we will email you the Friday before with all of the details.

You must be 18 years or older to participate and this event is not open for community service hour verification. All tools and supplies are provided. Hepatitis A vaccinations recommended for all participating volunteers.

To learn more or RSVP please call 619-297-7380 or email volunteer@sandiegoriver.org.

Come join the RiverWatch team in Mission Valley and learn how we monitor the water quality of the San Diego River!

The Team uses a compact electronic sonde to collect real-time data on things like dissolved oxygen content, acidity, and the nutrient content of the water at 15 different locations along the River.

This is the perfect opportunity for students who are interested in gaining experience in environmental science or community members who would like to learn more about local ecology.

No experience necessary, the Team Leader will show volunteers how to use the sonde and nutrient test kits. Community service may be verified, but only for students needing to complete school assigned hours.

RSVP's are required for this event as there are a limited amount of spaces available. Due to the nature of the work, participants must be at least 15 years old to attend. For more information and to to RSVP please contact us at 619-297-7380 or volunteer@sandiegoriver.org.

Volunteer at the San Diego River Garden. Join us on the 2nd and 4th Sundays each month from 9am-11am for this family friendly event. All tools provided. Dress in clothes that can get a little dirty. Closed toe shoes required. Activities consist of weeding, watering, pruning, trail maintenance and other light gardening projects. RSVP's required. Call 619.297.7380 or email volunteer@sandiegoriver.org. Community service hours can be verified.

Looking for a regular volunteer opportunity that allows you to experience the great outdoors while giving back? Then the River Assessment Team is for you! Every 2nd, 3rd and 4th Tuesday of the month the team will walk different segments of the San Diego River in the Mission Valley area to identify issues affecting our River, such as trash, storm water debris and illegal dumping. Your reconnaissance of these areas will allow us to effectively plan our cleanup events so that we are having a greater impact on the River’s health with the highest level of efficiency.

The team will work from 9 am - noon in areas of varying levels of difficulty, ranging from paved trails to trail blazing adventures. You are invited to attend any and all, depending on your ability level. Closed-toed shoes are required. Sun protection, water and a snack are highly recommended. Must be 18 or over to participate.b NOT open for community service.

If you are interested in getting more information about this event, please contact us at (619) 297-7380 or volunteer@sandiegoriver.org.

November 28, 20189:00 am - 12:00 pmChanges weekly throughout the San Diego River watershed

Looking for a volunteer opportunity that allows you to support a healthy river while interacting with a group of like-minded people? Come out with our core volunteer team to assist with River clean-ups! If you don't mind getting dirty and doing some trail blazing then this may be the perfect fit for you.

This team is scheduled on Wednesdays from 9 - noon. The event location changes regularly so please include your email address in your RSVP and we will email you the Friday before with all of the details.

You must be 18 years or older to participate and this event is not open for community service hour verification. All tools and supplies are provided. Hepatitis A vaccinations recommended for all participating volunteers.

To learn more or RSVP please call 619-297-7380 or email volunteer@sandiegoriver.org.